forum Funeral Scene

Started October 26, 2019 by Deleted user

tune

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How should I write a funeral scene for my main characters mother? It is the very first scene happening so the reader won't have any connection to this person.

Interesting… I would advise focusing primarily on the emotion of the protag. You can probably get a good bit of intrigue out of it if done right. You also have the opportunity of a good hook line since you are literally opening with a funeral. Make it something that will have readers perking up ears. I've never seen a scene start with a funeral before and probably neither have they. We all find out about dead parents, but this is a good writing opportunity.
Back to the actual question. Focus on the emotion of the protag, but keep the view open. Let the audience see how the entire thing is going. Doubtless you can explore. Are many people obviously affected? Maybe she was loved by all. Is it only a huddle of a few people? What does that say? Is there any conflict in the air? You have a lot of options.

My advice is to try and be descriptive—create a setting. It might also be beneficial to introduce little opportunities in which they get to witness them making decisions, since that would help develop what kind of character they are. How they react to their seat being taken, how they react to an obituary, or maybe if the funeral is open casket, how they feel when they see the body.

Don't overdescribe the funeral, focus on feelings and forgo the finery.